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Overview
This tour takes in the beautiful sights and tranquil landscapes of south India including the immense Maharajah’s Palace in Mysore, the wildlife of Nagarhole National Park, the lush beauty of Wayanad, a rail ride through the Nilgiri mountains and a cruise along the peaceful backwaters of Kochi.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Bengalaru via Dubai
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bengalaru (Bangalore) with Emirates via Dubai. (N)
Day 2: Srirangapatna • Mysore
Early lunch at the LaLit Bengalaru, before travelling to Mysore for 2 nights at the Radisson (or similar). En route, stop at the island fortress of Srirangapatna, the former capital of south India’s most powerful 18th-century rulers. (L)
Day 3: Mysore
Walking tour visiting some of Mysore’s architectural wonders. Tour the Maharajah’s Palace, which combines Hindu and Saracenic architecture. Afternoon at leisure. Evening food tour of Mysore’s celebrated gastronomical delights including Mysore Masala Dosa. Return to the Maharajah’s Palace this evening to see it illuminated by over 100,000 light bulbs. (B)
Day 4: Nagarhole National Park
Travel to Kabini for an overnight stay at the Serai Kabini. The prey density of Nagarhole National Park is one of the highest in Asia including tigers, leopards and wild dogs. Afternoon boat safari in search of the park’s endemic wildlife. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Nagarhole National Park • Wayanad
Optional early morning 4×4 safari*. Travel to Wayanad for 2 nights at Wayanad Wild. Wayanad is an area of outstanding natural beauty with tropical forests, valleys, waterfalls and sprawling plantations. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Wayanad
Morning at leisure. Enjoy an interactive Keralan cooking class and lunch. Take part in a guided nature walk following elephant trails. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Coonoor
Leisurely drive to the hill station of Coonoor. Enjoy lunch on the terrace of the Taj Savoy. Afternoon tour of the botanical gardens in Ooty, filled with more than 1,000 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees. Continue to Coonoor for 2 nights at the Gateway Hotel Coonoor. (B, L)
Day 8: Coonoor • Ooty
Drive to Ooty and ride the Blue Mountain Railway to Coonoor. The scenic narrow gauge railway runs across plains, plantations and the verdant hills of the Nilgiri mountains. Visit a planters house for afternoon tea and a walk through the tea plantation. (B)
Day 9: Kochi
Travel to Coimbatore and enjoy lunch before boarding the train to Ernakulam. Transfer to the Eighth Bastion, located in the heart of Fort Kochi for 2 nights. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the local area. (B, L)
Day 10: Kochi
Visit some of the highlights of this enchanting port, taking in the architectural styles that reveal Arab, Jewish and European influences. View the remarkable, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, explore the 16th-century Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace, the Church of St Francis and the world’s oldest active Jewish synagogue in historic Jew Town. Wander through markets and visit the vibrant Dhobi Ghats. Later, visit the Kathakali dance studio to see a traditional performance. (B)
Day 11: The backwaters
Drive to the backwater region of Kerala this morning. En route, enjoy a backwater cruise by shikara boat through narrow canals. This cruise explores these picturesque waterways, revealing boats carrying loads of coir, copra and cashews and, along the water’s edge, numerous churches and markets. Stay for 2 nights at the Coconut Lagoon. (B)
Day 12: The backwaters
Day at leisure. (B)
Day 13: Fly to London via Dubai
Morning transfer to the airport and fly to London, via Dubai, with Emirates. (B)
